Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. In 1825, the Cherokee national legislature established a capital called New Echota at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. During its short history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper office, a court case which carried to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of the earliest experiments in national self government by an Indian tribe, the signing of a treaty which relinquished Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River, and the assembly of Indians for removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears.

Today, visitors can see 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, Court House, Print Shop, Missionary Samuel Worcester's home, and an 1805 store, as well as outbuildings such as smoke houses, corn cribs and barns. In the visitor center, guest can purchase souvenirs, books, music, plus view interpretive exhibits and a 17-minute film. Nature trails leads visitors to New Town Creek and a small beaver pond.New Echota State Historic Site Business Plan

Come join in and volunteer with us as we get our Blue Bird and Wood Duck nesting boxes ready for the nesting season. Those with a green thumb can help prepare the Cherokee Farmstead garden plot for the upcoming growing season. 706-624-1321.

Join staff, Friends of New Echota and volunteers on the third saturdays of themonth (march-october) as the historic buildings and grounds come alive with tours and demonstrations. Enjoy the Pond Overlook Tons of Fun Trail and the New Town Creek Nature Trail. $5.50-$7 706-624-1321.

We'll be working on the Pond Overlook Trail (1/3 m) and the New Town Creek Nature Trail (1 m) including cleaning signs, staining tables and repairing footbridges to get these trails in great shape for the visitors at New Echota. Pack a lunch and join us during one of the prettiest months at New Echota. 706-624-1321.

Learn about the significant history of New Echota and those buried in the town cemetery as we clean up this small cemetery and pathway. Wear your work gloves and pack a lunch for a picnic afterwards. 706-624-1321.

As a certified site along on theTrail of Tears National Historic Trail, we'll be working on sprucing up the landscaping at New Echota and cleaning up New Town Creek Nature Trail. Come learn about this significant part of Cherokee, Georgia and United States history as we work to improve part of this important National Historic Trail. 706-624-1321.

The farmstead garden will need some mid-season work. Join us as we learn about the 3 sisters of the Cherokee garden while we get it into shape and afterwards help clean up the historic buildings inside. $5 parking. 706-624-1231.

Volunteers around the country will be helping to improve their favorite historic site and parks on this special day. Join us as we spruce up the old Cherokee Capital town of New Echota.
Bring the entire family out or call to register your Scout or other groups. Afternoon tours of the historic buildings and grounds will be provided. Free site admission for volunteers. Regular admission fee for visitors. 706-624-1321.